Can you Sleep in a Human Hair Wig at Night
Wearing wigs has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people love being able to quickly change up their hairstyle or color whenever they want. But for those new to wearing wigs, there are a lot of questions about proper care and maintenance. One common question is: can you sleep in a human hair wig?
The short answer is yes, you can sleep in a human hair wig. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before making it a habit. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about sleeping in human hair wigs - from tips for making it more comfortable to how it affects styling and longevity.
The Difference Between Human Hair and Synthetic Wigs
Before diving into the specifics of sleeping in wigs, it’s important to understand the difference between human hair and synthetic options.
Synthetic wigs are made from plastic fibers designed to imitate real hair. The fibers tend to be thicker than human hair and have a shiny, artificial look. Synthetic wigs typically can’t be heat styled or significantly restyled. They also don’t last as long with daily wear and care. hair wigs are made from real human hair collected from donors. The hair is processed and sewn into a lace or cap base. Since the fibers are real hair, human hair wigs can be heat styled, colored, and cut just like the hair on your head. They also tend to have a more natural look and feel. Human hair wigs last longer with proper care.
Now that we’ve covered the differences, let’s look specifically at whether or not you can sleep in each type of wig.
Should You Sleep in a Synthetic Wig?
Sleeping in a synthetic wig is strongly discouraged. The thick, plastic fibers are prone to tangling and matting when tossed around at night. The friction can cause the fibers to become irreparably damaged over time.
Synthetic wigs are also more sensitive to moisture. Wearing one overnight increases perspiration exposure which can frizz and dry out the fibers. This makes the wig look dull, tangled, and messy.
So if you want your synthetic wig to last and maintain its style, always remove it before bed and store it properly on a wig stand or styled on a mannequin head.
Is It Okay to Sleep in a Human Hair Wig?
Unlike synthetic wigs, sleeping in human hair wigs is perfectly fine occasionally. Since the fibers are real hair, they can handle being slept on without irreparable damage.
However, regularly sleeping in a human hair wig isn’t recommended. The constant tossing and friction can still tangle and mat the hair over time. But an occasional overnight wear won’t ruin the wig.
Here are some of the key pros and cons to weigh when deciding if you should sleep in your human hair wig:
Pros
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Convenience: You can wake up with perfect hair already in place. No need to restyle the wig in the morning.
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Maintains Style Overnight: Sleeping in your wig means you don’t have to worry about your curls or other styles coming undone as you sleep. You wake up ready to go.
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Protection for Natural Hair: If you frequently wear wigs to give your natural hair a break, sleeping in one provides continued protection and minimizes manipulation of fragile hair underneath.
Cons
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Potential Tangling: Tossing and turning at night can tangle the wig fibers, especially in longer styles. Sleeping still in one spot minimizes this.
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Matting Risk: Friction while sleeping can lead to matting if you don’t gently brush the wig out in the morning. Always use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush.
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Oil Buildup: The wig will retain oils from your scalp and hair while you sleep. This causes it to need washing more frequently.
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Heat: Wigs can be uncomfortably warm for sleeping, especially in hot weather. Consider a loose ponytail or braid to allow more airflow.
Now that you know the key pros and cons, here are some tips to make sleeping in a human hair wig work best for you:
Tips for Sleeping in Human Hair Wigs
Use a Satin Pillowcase
Satin or silk pillowcases minimize friction on the wig fibers overnight. The smooth fabric allows the hair to glide freely rather than tangle.
Braid or Ponytail Before Bed
Putting your wig in a loose braid or ponytail before bed helps keep the fibers tidier overnight. Make sure it’s loose enough to be comfortable for hours of sleep.
Sleep on Your Back
This minimizes contact between the wig and pillow. Sleeping facing up reduces friction throughout the night so there’s less risk of tangling.
Gently Brush in the Morning
Be sure to gently brush out any tangles in the morning with a wig brush or wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and work your way up.
Wash Regularly
Wash human hair wigs weekly or bi-weekly to remove buildup from natural scalp oils and hair products. A dirty wig is more prone to tangling.
Use a Wig Stand or Styling Head
Consider storing your wig overnight on a stand or styled on a mannequin head. This maintains the style without you having to sleep in it.
Final Thoughts on Sleeping in Human Hair Wigs
To summarize - you can sleep in a human hair wig occasionally but regular overnight wear has risks. Limit sleeping in your wig to a few nights a week at most. And be sure to gently brush out, shampoo, and properly store the wig daily to maintain its quality and longevity.
It's a good idea to test it out and see how your wig handles an overnight wear. Pay attention to tangling, comfort, and how much extra styling is needed in the morning. Then you can decide if sleeping in your human hair wig works for your lifestyle or if taking it off before bed is best.
With proper care and maintenance, your human hair wig will last for years to come - even with the occasional overnight snooze! Sweet dreams!
